Candlelight walk, rally against violence

By Cindy Gonzales

White bags illuminated by candlelight lit the Peace Garden Wednesday night, commemorating “Take Back the Night.”

The event, recognized as a worldwide effort to reclaim the night for abuse victims, had more than 300 students listening to speakers share their experiences and knowledge about violence against men, women and children.

Jeri Echeverria, Fresno State provost, urged the audience to “get the message out” about physical, mental and sexual abuse.

“People think if it doesn’t happen to them, it doesn’t happen,” said Gabriela Rodriquez, president of the Women’s Alliance. She said most students don’t understand violence affects everyone, and emphasized peace events, such as Take Back the Night, help change people’s attitudes about violence.

“Women are 10 times more likely to be abused by a partner,” women’s studies professor Loretta Kensinger said. “One in four women will be the victims of an assault.”

Kensinger also told the audience she was tired and enraged by leaders speaking about the “war on terror,” and not talking about violence against women.

Audience members were invited to pin a colored ribbon with the name of abuse victims, called the spiritual healing quilt. The quilt had different colors of ribbons on the quilt, which represented specific types of violence perpetrated against women.

“It’s my job to create a safe environment at Fresno State,” said David Huerta, campus chief of police.

Huerta said the campus police is committed to minimizing violence against students by providing 24-hour escorts, rape aggression training, and emergency phone booths.

“Tonight is a great event,” said women’s studies professors Cheryl Whittle.

Whittle, who teaches cultural diversity in her classes, had her students attend Take Back the Night to help them understand how common violence can be against men and women.

“People aren’t afraid to talk now,” Whittle said. She said this event provides students with the information and support they need to help themselves or people they know who have been victims of violence.

Audience members and speakers joined together after the rally and marched through the campus chanting slogans to express their stand against violence in order to take back the night.